Approach voicemails with a scientific outlook, and score each one. Create a score sheet with a rating system that addresses the following: Would you save that voicemail? Would you return that call? Would you return that call right away? Are you missing the basics (alternative phone number, optimal ways to get in touch, a fallback person to call)? Did you craft it or wing it?
I had to call Elijah this week to get some information. I tried his technique on him, cutting off my message in midword. I said, “I’m going to quote you in my column this week and I need…” He called me back in under 3 minutes laughing hysterically. This technique could revolutionize message leaving. I’ve been using it all week and it works. Be careful about how far you go on the humor with someone you don’t know.
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As a bonus, here is an example of our own holiday voicemail greeting here at OpenPhone:
To enable this feature, log into your account at my.magicJack.com, click on Call Features, select Advanced, and check the box for Voice Message Indicator.
So, consider changing your voicemails. Leave behind the typical “give me a call back when you can,” and instead expand on your services and purpose.
For example, perhaps you noticed that a prospect downloaded an eBook from your company's website. You could mention this in your voicemail. Something along the lines of, "Hi John, this is Mike from Company XYZ. I noticed you downloaded our guide to working with influencers…"
Get to why you’re calling. Did you have a question you couldn’t find the answer to online? Are you inquiring about future business? Are you weighing your options about a purchase between a few different companies? State it clearly so the recipient of the call knows how to proceed.
I’m home right now . . . I’m just screening my calls. So just start talking and if you’re someone I want to speak to I’ll pick up the phone. Otherwise, well, what can I say?
15. "This is Bond. James Bond. Okay, it's really [your last name]. [Your first name] [your last name]. I'll get back to you as soon as I'm done helping M16 save the world — which will probably be tomorrow at the latest. Have a good day."
If after 2 solid phone/voicemail/email attempts (which counts as 6 touches, not including any drip emails or LinkedIn messages/connection requests that they may have gotten in between calls 1 and 2) I’ll leave a 3rd voicemail message (followed by an email, of course) that simply says something along the lines of:
We’ll help you record a great voicemail greeting in English with this Voicemail Greeting sample script and video. If you are looking for work in an English speaking country or already working you need a great voicemail greeting that is professional and gives a good first impression. In the article below I’ll explore further why this is so important!
Businesses should have two main types of greetings to create an excellent call experience. The first one is what we call a “welcome greeting” – this greeting welcomes callers to your business. Typically, a welcome greeting will present a menu of call options like hours, location, or customer service. For more details on how to create a welcome greeting for your general business number, read this article.
Sending an email to each prospect before you call gives them an additional way to get in touch with you when they're ready. As you're leaving your voicemail, mention that you've sent them a quick email as well that has further details on who you are and the purpose of your call. As Florin Tatulea of Loopio explains:
Address: A number or name specified for an outgoing message (equivalent to an address on a letter).
iPhone users have another option: You can send a voice message from Apple's Messages by tapping the microphone button inside the text box (this works only when you're messaging other iPhones). By default, these voice messages last for only two minutes before they are deleted, but you can change that. Either tap Keep under any sent voice message or go to Settings > Messages and tap Expire under Audio Messages. You can set the expiration date to Never, but this affects only your record of the conversation, not the recipient's.
1. Limit Background Noise. If you’re recording your greeting from the back of a New York City cab with the windows down, it’s gonna be pretty obvious to your callers.
Remember that we can hear a smile in another person's voice, just as we can discern whether that individual is completely present and focused. Smart phones have the ability to record. Smart people take advantage of this tool and record themselves before leaving a message. And yes, it takes time. Precious time.